Gospel: Mark 12:1-12
Using parables, Jesus went on to say, “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a hole for the wine press and built a watch tower.
Then he leased the vineyard to tenants and went abroad. In due time, he sent a servant to receive from the tenants the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized the servant, struck him and sent him back empty-handed. Again, the man sent another servant. They also struck him on the head and treated him shamefully.
He sent another, and they killed him. In the same way they treated many others: some they beat up and others they killed. One was still left, his beloved son. And so, last of all, he sent him to the tenants, for he said, ‘They will respect my son.’
But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the one who is to inherit the vineyard. Let’s kill him and the property will be ours.’ So they seized him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. Now, what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”
And Jesus added, “Have you not read this text of the Scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected has become the keystone; this is the Lord’s doing, and we marvel at it?” They wanted to arrest him, for they realized that Jesus meant this parable for them, but they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.
Reflection
Everything we possess are gifts from God.
Today’s gospel passage features Jesus sharing the parable of the tenants, which illustrates God's expectations for faithful stewardship from His people.
The vineyard symbolizes Israel, while the tenants represent the Jewish leaders entrusted with God's people. However, instead of caring for the vineyard and honoring the owner, they reject His messengers and even kill the son.
This parable serves as a clear reminder that everything we possess—our talents, resources, and even our very lives—are gifts from God entrusted to us for God’s glory. We are stewards, not owners, and we are called to be faithful in using the gifts entrusted to us, acknowledging that one day we will give an account to the Master.
The rejection of the Son in the parable foretells Christ’s suffering, but it also confirms God’s justice: He will ultimately holdus accountable for how we have lived while using His gifts. Let us honor God in all we are and do, knowing that ultimately, we will stand before the true Owner and Judge of all things.
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